When your dog is diagnosed with canine diabetes mellitus, it is inevitable that you and your family will have to make some changes to its care routine. This condition, which occurs when the dog's pancreas does not produce enough insulin for the body to properly process sugars, fats and proteins, requires treatment with insulin injections.

Most owners are not familiar with giving dog insulin shots, so it is important to ask your veterinarian to teach you the proper procedure. According to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, your vet will show you how to handle insulin properly so it stays effective. You will also learn how to use a syringe, draw insulin from the bottle in the correct amount and give your pet the shot. Sometimes it helps to practice with water on a piece of fruit until you become comfortable with the procedure.

Diabetes in dogs is easier to manage once you understand how to administer this medication and monitor your dog at home. VCA Animal Hospitals report that in addition to giving insulin injections, owners need to stay aware of their dog's appetite, weight, water consumption and urination, and notify the vet if anything seems abnormal.

Specialty Care

As part of the VCA family, we have over 83 specialty hospitals across the US and Canada which provide referral specialty care, so there may be one near you. Enter ZIP to find VCA specialty care hospitals near you.